Legal

State Council relaxes approval requirements for foreign projects.

China further liberialises its interest rates.

The latest Consumer Protection Law is designed to enhance the rights of consumers and bring protection in line with the rapidly changing world of online commerce. It does a good job of balancing the interests of customers and businesses

The release of a tax notice expanding the scope of R&D expenses that are eligible for super deductions shows the government's desire to encourage innovation. Companies should ensure all information concerning its R&D projects is up to date and ready to file

Shanghui's $7.1 billion acquisition of Smithfield was closely scrutinised. Its success should lead to more US investment from Chinese companies and shows how to interact with CFIUS during acquisitions

A new Decision has boosted the protection of consumer data in China and brought the system closer to international standards. Businesses should revise their data privacy policies to avoid being caught out

A new Decision has boosted the protection of consumer data in China and brought the system closer to international standards. Businesses should revise their data privacy policies to avoid being caught out

In a high-profile test of the Anti-monopoly Law, Huawei has successfully fought back against a US company that had filed a patent complaint at the International Trade Commission. Other Chinese companies could follow this lead

A series of reforms should help to restart China's capital markets in 2014. Although the changes are a positive step, they create problems for law firms and leave some serious structural problems unresolved